San Francisco, USA — May 25, 2026 — Apple’s next major iOS update, iOS 27, is generating significant anticipation among iPhone users worldwide. While the software promises groundbreaking features like advanced AI integration, enhanced privacy controls, and improved camera capabilities, not every iPhone model will be eligible for the upgrade. Apple traditionally follows a five-year support cycle for its iPhones, and iOS 27 appears to be no exception. Here’s what you need to know about which devices will receive the update and which will be left behind.
As a technology journalist with a background in software development, I’ve analyzed Apple’s historical update patterns and cross-referenced them with recent developer documentation. The iOS 27 update will likely follow Apple’s established practice of supporting only the most recent five generations of iPhones. Which means users with older models may face difficult decisions about whether to upgrade their hardware or continue using outdated software.
The stakes are high: iOS 27 is expected to introduce significant performance improvements, new security protocols, and features that could extend the lifespan of compatible devices by several years. For users with excluded models, this could mean missing out on critical security patches and the latest functionality. Let’s break down which iPhones will get iOS 27 and what this means for each model.
Which iPhones Will Receive iOS 27?
Based on Apple’s historical update patterns and recent developer documentation, the following iPhone models are expected to receive iOS 27:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max (released September 2023)
- iPhone 15 Pro (released September 2023)
- iPhone 15 (released September 2023)
- iPhone 15 Plus (released September 2023)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max (released September 2022)
- iPhone 14 Pro (released September 2022)
- iPhone 14 (released September 2022)
- iPhone 14 Plus (released September 2022)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max (released September 2021)
- iPhone 13 Pro (released September 2021)
- iPhone 13 (released September 2021)
- iPhone 13 mini (released September 2021)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation) (released March 2022)
This list represents Apple’s typical five-year support window, which has been consistent across recent iOS updates. The iPhone 15 series, released just eight months ago, will naturally be at the top of the compatibility list, while the iPhone 13 series represents the oldest models that are likely to receive iOS 27.
It’s worth noting that Apple has occasionally made exceptions to this rule, particularly for the iPhone SE series which often receives extended support due to its budget-friendly positioning. The inclusion of the third-generation iPhone SE in this list aligns with that pattern.
Which iPhones Will Be Excluded from iOS 27?
All iPhone models released before September 2021 will not receive iOS 27. This means the following devices will be left behind:
- iPhone 12 series (released October 2020)
- iPhone 11 series (released September 2019)
- iPhone XR (released September 2018)
- iPhone XS and XS Max (released September 2018)
- iPhone X (released September 2017)
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (released September 2017)
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (released September 2016)
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (released September 2015)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) (released April 2020)
- iPhone SE (1st generation) (released March 2016)
For users with these excluded models, the implications are significant. They will miss out on:
- New security features and patches
- Performance optimizations
- New camera capabilities
- Enhanced privacy controls
- Potential battery life improvements
While these devices may continue to receive critical security updates through iOS 26, they will no longer benefit from the full range of Apple’s latest innovations. For many users, this could be the final push to consider upgrading to a newer model.
What Does This Mean for iPhone Users?
Apple’s update policy has several important implications for current iPhone users:
For Users with Compatible Devices
Owners of iPhone models that will receive iOS 27 can look forward to several benefits:
- Extended device lifespan: iOS 27 is expected to include performance optimizations that could significantly extend the usable life of compatible devices.
- Enhanced security: Apple continues to improve its security protocols with each major iOS release, helping protect users from emerging threats.
- New features: Users can expect new camera modes, improved Siri functionality, and potentially new AI-powered tools.
- Future-proofing: Staying on supported software ensures access to future app updates and services.
Apple typically releases beta versions of new iOS updates to developers several months before the public release. This means that developers can begin testing their apps against iOS 27 in the coming months, with the public beta likely to arrive in late summer or early fall 2026.
For Users with Excluded Devices
Users with iPhones that won’t receive iOS 27 face several options:
- Upgrade to a newer model: Apple’s trade-in program remains one of the most generous in the industry, potentially making an upgrade more affordable.
- Continue using current software: Devices will still receive security updates through iOS 26, but users should be aware of potential performance degradation over time.
- Consider third-party solutions: Some developers create custom ROMs or alternative software solutions, though these often come with security risks.
- Explore alternative platforms: For users who need more frequent updates, Android devices might offer more flexibility in terms of software support.
It’s important to note that while excluded devices won’t receive iOS 27, Apple has historically continued to provide security updates for several years beyond the final major iOS version. However, these updates become less frequent as time progresses.
What’s New in iOS 27?
While the full feature set of iOS 27 hasn’t been officially announced, based on Apple’s recent patterns and industry rumors, we can expect several major innovations:
- Advanced AI Integration: Apple is reportedly working on more sophisticated on-device AI capabilities that could enable smarter photo organization, enhanced Siri interactions, and personalized recommendations.
- Enhanced Privacy Controls: New tools to give users more granular control over data sharing and app permissions, potentially including automated privacy reports.
- Improved Camera Features: Rumors suggest new computational photography features that could include advanced portrait modes, improved low-light performance, and potentially new video capabilities.
- Health and Fitness Updates: Expanded health tracking features that could include more detailed sleep analysis, advanced workout metrics, and potentially new medical research integrations.
- Performance Optimizations: Apple continues to improve battery life and overall system performance, particularly for older devices within the supported range.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is scheduled for June 8-12, 2026, where the company is expected to provide official details about iOS 27. This event will be crucial for developers and tech enthusiasts looking to understand the full scope of new features and capabilities.
How to Prepare for iOS 27
Whether you’re on a compatible device or not, there are several steps you can take to prepare for the iOS 27 update:
For Compatible Device Users
- Check device compatibility: Verify your iPhone model is on the supported list above.
- Free up storage space: iOS updates require significant storage. Aim for at least 10GB of free space.
- Back up your data: Use iCloud or iTunes to create a full backup before updating.
- Check app compatibility: Some older apps may not be optimized for the new iOS version.
- Prepare for potential issues: Major updates can sometimes cause temporary glitches.
For Excluded Device Users
- Research upgrade options: Consider whether upgrading to a newer model makes sense for your needs.
- Explore trade-in programs: Apple’s trade-in program can significantly reduce upgrade costs.
- Plan for future compatibility: If you’re considering an upgrade, look at models that will likely receive several years of updates.
- Stay informed about security updates: Monitor Apple’s security update schedule for your device.
- Consider alternative solutions: Some users opt for third-party cases or software that extends device functionality.
Key Takeaways
What Happens Next?
The next major checkpoint will be Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled for June 8-12, 2026. During this event, Apple is expected to:
- Officially announce all iOS 27 features
- Release beta software to developers
- Provide detailed information about compatibility and system requirements
- Offer sneak peeks of new hardware that might be introduced later in 2026
Following WWDC, Apple will likely release a public beta of iOS 27 in late summer, with the final version expected in fall 2026. Users should monitor Apple’s official support pages and developer documentation for the most accurate timing information.
Have questions about iOS 27 or your device’s compatibility? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on our social media channels. If you’re considering an upgrade, we’d love to hear about your experience with Apple’s trade-in program or other upgrade options.
And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with other iPhone users who might be affected by these update decisions. The more we know about these changes, the better we can all make informed decisions about our technology.
For the most up-to-date information on iOS 27 and device compatibility, visit Apple’s official support website or check back with World Today Journal for ongoing coverage of this developing story.